Yesterday, the Minnesota House of Representatives was debating whether or not to pass an amendment to a omnibus tax bill that would have closed offshore tax loopholes. As it stands, companies can use that loophole to avoid paying taxes in the state, which means there’s more pressure on working class citizens to make up the difference.

Democratic State Rep. Paul Thissen, who supported the amendment, had a fairly straightforward question for Republican State Rep. Abigail Whelan, who opposed it: “… Do you think benefiting people who are hiding money in Liberia is worth raising taxes on your own constituents?”

She didn’t even try to answer that one.

Instead, Whelan used her time to tell everyone about Jesus.

… It might be because it’s late and I’m really tired, but I’m going to take this opportunity to just share with the body something I have been grappling with over the past several months, and that is, the games that we play here.

And I just want you to know, Representative Thissen and the [Democratic] caucus – I forgive you. It is okay, because I have an eternal perspective about this.

I have an eternal perspective and I want to share that with you and with the people listening at home, that at the end of the day, when we try to reach an agreement with divided government, we win some, we lose some, nobody is really happy, but you know what? Happiness and circumstances – not what it’s about. There is actual joy to be found in Jesus Christ. Jesus loves you all.

If you would like to get to know him, [if] you’re listening at home, [or] here in this room, please email me, call me. Would love to talk to you about Jesus. He is the hope of this state and of this country.

That… that didn’t answer the question. Furthermore, it’s completely inappropriate for an elected official to proselytize on the House floor. Christians like her would be fuming if a Muslim or atheist politician dared to do anything even close to what she did.

And then Whelan, along with every other Republican, voted to protect the offshore tax loopholes.